As fall begins, the drought monitor suggests much of the West is still dry, and conditions in some parts are worsening. With hay in short supply, concern for cost-effectively acquiring fall feed supplies has intensified.

Unfortunately, drought and abnormally dry conditions have continued for much of the South Central region, and with these conditions come questions about nitrate toxicity.

Now more than ever, it is important to make sure each stall on your dairy is occupied by the most profitable cows. One way to improve profit per stall is to change the makeup of your herd and milk a higher percentage of older cows, as they are typically the best producers.

Weaning season is a critical time of the year as cattle producers prepare calves for the next stage of production. Through proper weaning practices, large- and small-scale producers can maximize the performance and value of their calves, whether as stockers, feeders or replacement heifers.

Dairy farmers attending a summit to explore dairy policy and marketing options overwhelmingly supported some method of milk supply management, but worried congressional action might take too long for many of them to survive.

Whether it’s a piece of property or a tractor, once you’ve decided to make an investment in your business, the question then turns to the source of capital to finance that investment. Do you invest your cash? If so, how much?

The USDA plans to purchase $50 million worth of fluid milk for distribution to domestic food assistance programs, the agency announced on Aug. 14. These purchases will be separate from any USDA dairy product purchases under another program designed to provide financial assistance to dairy farmers negatively impacted by the ongoing tariff war with major U.S. dairy export customers.

Oklahoma feeder cattle prices averaged nearly 4 percent above one year ago in the first week of August, with calf prices increasing from the previous week. Feeder prices are holding strong despite continued growth in feeder cattle supplies. Combined Oklahoma feeder auction totals have averaged 13 percent higher year over year since early July.

Every year, Dairy Nutrition and Management Consulting (DNMC) holds a dairy summit. It’s an opportunity for dairy industry experts to meet together in the spirit of learning and community, and to discuss the changes in the business.